Crispy Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

Irresistible Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe for Warm Home Feasts

Golden, crusty, and bursting with aromatic goodness, this sourdough garlic bread recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tangy sourdough mingles beautifully with robust garlic notes, creating a bread that sings with rustic charm.

Each slice promises a delightful crunch that breaks open to reveal soft, pillowy interiors.

Homemade bakeries would envy the deep, complex flavors infusing every bite of this spectacular bread.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a masterpiece that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Fresh herbs and premium garlic transform basic sourdough into a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.

Bake this bread and watch as mouths water and plates empty in record time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Sourdough Garlic Bread Ingredient and Herb List

For Bread Base:
  • Sourdough Loaf: Tangy artisan bread that provides a robust foundation with complex, slightly sour undertones and perfect crusty texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Garlic Cloves, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic combination that creates a bold, zesty profile with layers of warmth and subtle spiciness; choose fresh, plump garlic for maximum flavor punch.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parsley, Parmesan Cheese, Sea Salt: Bright green herbs and salty cheese add freshness, depth, and a crispy golden crust; select high-quality parmesan for rich, nutty notes and opt for freshly chopped parsley to maximize vibrant color and taste.

Tools for Making Sourdough Garlic Bread from Scratch

  • Sheet Pan: Large, flat baking surface for preparing the sourdough bread.
  • Parchment Paper or Foil: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Small Ramekin: Perfect for roasting garlic and red pepper flakes.
  • Fork: Used for smashing roasted garlic and mixing ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowl: Combines garlic butter ingredients smoothly.
  • Small Offset Spatula: Helps spread garlic butter evenly between bread slices.
  • Sharp Knife: Slices sourdough bread without cutting completely through.
  • Foil: Wraps bread during initial baking to keep moisture.

Baking Instructions for Sourdough Garlic Bread

  • Oven Warmup

Bring the oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a fresh sourdough loaf.

  • Bread Preparation

Slice the bread carefully, creating delicious pockets without cutting through completely. Rest the loaf on a lined baking sheet.

  • Garlic Magic

Roast garlic cloves with red pepper flakes in olive oil until they become soft and golden, letting the kitchen fill with an irresistible aroma.

  • Flavor Fusion

Crush the roasted garlic and blend it with creamy butter, adding herbs and a sprinkle of cheese for an extra flavor punch.

  • Flavor Layering

Gently spread the aromatic garlic mixture into each bread pocket, ensuring every slice gets a generous coating of deliciousness.

  • Baking Transformation

Wrap the loaded bread in foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then unwrap and let the top turn beautifully golden and crisp for an additional 5 minutes.

Garlic Spread Tips and Butter Additions

  • Flavor Boosters: Elevate your sourdough garlic bread by adding crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh chives into the garlic butter mix for an extra flavor punch.
  • Oil Infusion Hack: Save the leftover garlic-infused olive oil for drizzling over salads, pasta, or using as a dipping sauce – it's packed with incredible roasted garlic flavor.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sourdough's tanginess.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften at room temperature before spreading on the bread for an easy entertaining option.
  • Spice It Up: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or swap them with smoked paprika for a different kind of warmth and depth in your garlic bread.

How to Slice and Serve Sourdough Garlic Bread

  • Party Platter Companion: Serve this mouthwatering sourdough garlic bread alongside a vibrant charcuterie board loaded with cured meats, cheeses, and olives for a stunning appetizer spread.
  • Hearty Soup Sidekick: Pair the warm, crispy bread with creamy tomato soup or rich minestrone, letting guests dip and savor each garlic-infused bite for a comforting meal.
  • Wine Night Wonder: Break out a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bread's robust garlic and herb flavors, creating a delightful casual dining experience.
  • Pasta Night Star: Accompany your favorite pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or fettuccine alfredo with this garlic bread, transforming a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Freezing and Warming Up Sourdough Garlic Bread

  • Advance Prep Magic: Craft the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. This simple step saves precious cooking time and lets flavors intensify deliciously.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the prepared unbaked bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 4 weeks, allowing spontaneous garlic bread enjoyment anytime you crave a warm, aromatic treat.
  • Leftover Love Strategy: Store cooled sourdough garlic bread in a sealed container at room temperature for 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy exterior and warm, soft interior.
  • Portion Control Trick: Slice bread into individual servings before storing, making it easy to grab and warm just the amount you want without thawing or disturbing the entire loaf.
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Crispy Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe

Crispy Sourdough Garlic Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Homemade sourdough garlic bread brings rustic Italian flavors to kitchen tables worldwide. Crisp edges, rich garlic notes, and tender crumb invite hearty enjoyment with each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (396 grams) sourdough loaf
  • 10 tbsps (150 mL) unsalted butter
  • 12 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tsps Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsps parsley, roughly chopped
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Bread Preparation: Craft a fan-like sourdough loaf by slicing 1-inch thick cuts without fully separating, positioned on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Garlic Infusion: Roast whole garlic cloves and red pepper flakes in olive oil at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender, creating a fragrant base for the butter mixture.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Mash cooled roasted garlic and combine with softened butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, grated parmesan, and a hint of salt in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, aromatic spread.
  4. Bread Filling: Delicately separate bread slices and generously coat each crevice with the garlic herb butter, ensuring complete flavor saturation and even distribution.
  5. Baking Technique: Wrap the prepared loaf in aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior with intensely infused flavors.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut bread into 1-inch thick slices without fully separating, creating a fan-like design for maximum butter absorption and even flavor distribution.
  • Roast Garlic Gently: Slow-roast garlic cloves with red pepper flakes at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes to develop rich, mellow flavor without burning.
  • Blend Butter Thoroughly: Mix roasted garlic with room-temperature butter, ensuring smooth incorporation of herbs, cheese, and seasonings for a consistent, creamy spread.
  • Bake for Perfection: Cover with foil initially to infuse flavors, then uncover for final 5 minutes to create a crispy, golden-brown crust that’s irresistibly crunchy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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